Dogs have been humanity’s loyal companions for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise they’ve earned a special place in music, too. From silly moments to heartbreaking goodbyes, these songs cover the full range of what it means to love a dog.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Dogs Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Dogs
1. “I Love My Dog” – Cat Stevens
Lyric Sample: “I love my dog as much as I love you, but you may fade, my dog will always come through.”
In this 1966 track, Stevens makes the case that dogs are more dependable than people. It’s all about how his dog will always be there for him.
2. “Cracker Jack” – Dolly Parton
Lyric Sample: “The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack, but he was more than that.”
Parton tells the story of finding a scruffy, hungry puppy by the river and taking him home. The song follows their friendship as they grow up together.
3. “Maggie’s Song” – Chris Stapleton
Lyric Sample: “I told her she was a good dog, then I told her goodbye.”
“Maggie’s Song” is a gut-wrenching tribute to a rescue pup who grew into a beloved family protector. As far as songs about losing a dog go, this one is right there near the top of the list.
4. “Chasing Butterflies” – Jordon Frank
Lyric Sample: “My only hope is, you’re up there chasing butterflies.”
“Chasing Butterflies” is a 2024 track about losing a dog who was there through all the difficult times.
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5. “I Want a Dog” – Pet Shop Boys
Lyric Sample: “I want a dog, a Chihuahua, when I get back to my small flat, I want to hear somebody bark.”
This synth-pop tune is about wanting a Chihuahua to come home to. It’s about loneliness and hoping someone is there to greet you at the door.
6. “Old Shep” – Red Foley
Lyric Sample: “He came to my side and looked up at me, and laid his old head on my knee.”
Foley’s 1941 country tune follows a boy and his dog, Shep, from childhood through the dog’s old age and death.
7. “Martha My Dear” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “Martha, my dear, though I spend my days in conversation, please remember me.”
This bouncy piano tune may sound like a love song, but it’s actually written about Paul McCartney’s sheepdog, Martha.
8. “Dogs Are the Best People” – The Fauves
Lyric Sample: “But you say no way now, there’s a church, there is a steeple, dogs are the best people.”
This alt-rock track argues that dogs are better than people because their love is free, unconditional, and they never lie or break your trust.
9. “The Puppy Song” – Harry Nilsson
Lyric Sample: “If only I could have a puppy, I’d call myself so very lucky.”
Nilsson’s whimsical song is about wishing for a puppy to have as company and a friend who’d stick around.
10. “Ol’ Red” – Blake Shelton
Lyric Sample: “Now, Ol’ Red, he’s the damnedest dog that I’ve ever seen.”
“Ol’ Red” follows a prisoner who uses the warden’s bloodhound to help him escape. The prisoner befriends the dog and uses that relationship to his advantage.
Related: Best Songs About Jail and Best Songs About Georgia
11. “Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” – Jane Siberry
Lyric Sample: “This whole world reminds me of my dog.”
Siberry’s surreal song lists all the random things that remind her of her dog, from guys in stores to telephones to Einstein. It’s a stream-of-consciousness track about how a beloved dog becomes tied to everything in your life.
12. “Gonna Buy Me a Dog” – The Monkees
Lyric Sample: “I’m gonna buy me a dog, ’cause I need a friend now.”
This playful breakup song is mostly the band cracking jokes and improvising between verses. The actual premise is simple: his girlfriend doesn’t love him anymore, so he’s going to buy a dog instead.
13. “My Dog” – Lowertown
Lyric Sample: “My dog always knows what to say when words have no meanings, right there on my feet.”
Lowertown’s 2020 indie track is about a dog named Randy who offers comfort without words. Randy thinks the narrator is the best no matter what he does.
14. “Seamus” – Pink Floyd
Lyric Sample: “Seamus, my old hound, was outside, my old hound dog sat right down and cried.”
Pink Floyd’s track is a mellow, bluesy tribute to the band’s dog. It’s all about the power of companionship with a beloved pet.
15. “Like My Dog” – Billy Currington
Lyric Sample: “I want you to love me like my dog does, baby.”
In “Like My Dog,” Currington wishes his partner would love him with the same unconditional acceptance his dog shows. It’s a humorous take on how dogs don’t judge or complain about the little things.
16. “A Love Profound” – Bully
Lyric Sample: “Oftentimes, the softness in your gaze brought me to the next day.”
This 2023 rock song is about watching a beloved dog age and lose interest in the things they once loved. Bully sings about the love that carries you through grief and the burden of witnessing inevitable change you can’t control.
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17. “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window” – Patti Page
Lyric Sample: “How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggly tail.”
Page’s 1953 novelty song is about wanting to buy a dog for her sweetheart. She needs a dog to keep him company and protect him while she’s away in California.
18. “Gypsy Joe and Me” – Dolly Parton
Lyric Sample: “Now Gypsy was my little dog, I found by the road in a ditch.”
Parton’s country ballad tells the story of a life lived simply and freely, with the bond between a woman, her dog Gypsy Joe, and her man. It’s a bittersweet track about love, loss, and the memories that keep them close even after they’re gone.
19. “I Love My Dog” – Sublime
Lyric Sample: I love my dog, I love, I love my dog.
“I Love My Dog” is a straightforward, repetitive declaration of love for a dog. It’s just Bradley Nowell stating over and over that he loves his dog, Lou Dog.
20. “The Dog Song” – Nellie McKay
Lyric Sample: I’m just a walkin’ my dog, singin’ my song, strollin’ along.
McKay sings about adopting a rescue dog from the pound who changed her life. The song is playful and celebrates how a pet can turn loneliness into happiness.
21. “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” – Lobo
Lyric Sample: “Me and you and a dog named Boo, travelin’ and livin’ off the land.”
Lobo’s soft rock song is a nostalgic road trip song that celebrates simple pleasures. The dog becomes a symbol of freedom, love, and life on the road.
22. “Quiche Lorraine” – The B-52’s
Lyric Sample: “At the end of my forty-foot leash is my little friend, Quiche La Poodle.”
The B-52’s quirky new wave song is about the bond with a tiny, dyed green poodle. The track is playful and absurd, mixing genuine affection with over-the-top dramatics when the dog runs off.
23. “Man of the Hour” – Norah Jones
Lyric Sample: “You never lie and you don’t cheat, and you don’t have any baggage tied to your four feet.”
Jones’ jazz-pop tune is a sweet tribute to a dog who beats out all human suitors. The dog is sweet, doesn’t lie or cheat, and won’t make her cry like a person might.
24. “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” – Led Zeppelin
Lyric Sample: “Ain’t no companion like a blue-eyed Merle.”
“Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” celebrates a joyful, pure friendship between Robert Plant and his dog, Strider.
25. “Old Blue” – The Byrds
Lyric Sample: “Well, I had an old dog, and his name was Blue.”
“Old Blue” is a traditional folk song revived by The Byrds, paying homage to a loyal hunting dog. It’s a tribute to a faithful companion gone but never forgotten.
26. “The More Boys I Meet” – Carrie Underwood
Lyric Sample: “The more boys I meet, the more I love my dog.”
Underwood’s 2007 country song compares disappointing dates to her dog. She goes through guys who move too fast, act like fools, or have oversized egos, and each bad date makes her appreciate her dog more.
27. “Clifford the Big Red Dog”
Lyric Sample: “Clifford’s the best friend anyone could know.”
This cheerful theme song captures the joyful and loyal spirit of Clifford, celebrating the unconditional friendship and love a dog brings to life.
28. “My Dog and Me” – John Hiatt
Lyric Sample: “Buddy, I coulda gone that extra mile for an extra bark or an extra smile.”
“My Dog and Me” is a 2003 track about the freedom and companionship found on long hikes with a dog. It celebrates the simple bond between a man and his loyal companion.
29. “Shannon” – Henry Gross
Lyric Sample: “Shannon is gone, I heard she’s drifting out to sea.”
This 1970s ballad is about the passing of Beach Boys member Carl Wilson’s dog. Gross imagines her swimming out to sea and finding a peaceful island as a way to cope with the loss.
Conclusion
Dogs have a way of bringing out the most sincere emotions in us, from love to devastating grief. These tracks show just how often canine companions inspire some of music’s most touching moments, whether through a quirky pop jam or a gut-wrenching country ballad.
So the next time you’re looking for the perfect song about dogs, whether it’s to cry, smile, or reminisce, this list has you covered.
For more emotional or animal-inspired tunes, check out our lists of Songs About Cats and Songs About Missing Someone.
